Should I learn how to SPEAK Japanese FIRST, or how to WRITE Japanese?

Question:

I'm confused! Which is usually taught first? Speaking or Writing? Also in writing, do I learn Hiragana first or Katakana? Please help! Thanks!

Answer:

I'd say speak. As a child we learn how to talk first. And the Japanese writing system is very complex. You need to remember some 2,000 kanji just to be able to read a newspaper.